In the midst of the paintings and sculptures on display for First Thursday will be a living, breathing study in human movement. Choreographer Sierra Woods has created a dance piece that will be performed within the framework of a red velvet box. The 10-minute piece features four dancers and will be repeated six times throughout the evening.

625 N.W. Everett St., No. 106, 503-224-0252, free

FILM / 'Ace in the Hole'

7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, Guild Theatre

The Northwest Film Center screens one of director Billy Wilder's least known films. 'Ace in the Hole' stars Kirk Douglas as an ambitious newspaper reporter with a sketchy past and a chilling dark side.

Certain things are surefire signs of the season in Portland: the giant holiday tree, a surge in downtown shoppers, and jolly patrons swilling fancy beers in Pioneer Courthouse Square. The annual Holiday Ale Festival features more than 25 brews, food carts, crafts vendors and a PA system ready to rip the holiday classics.